The medicinal value of the Olive fruit and leaf (Olea Europaea) has been recognized for centuries by those living in this region. Specific interest has been given to the polyphenols of the Olive plant and oil. A polyphenol that has been given special attention is Hydroxytyrosol, a potent anti-oxidant with strong anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Reduce Chronic Disease Risks: Health Conscious to Health Practice

Medical and Health Care Professionals can provide support to patients and clients for many health conditions. Many risk factors for disease such as heart disease, strokes, cancer and metabolic disorders are reduced with nutritional support and supplements.

As a practicing Physical Therapist the majority of my client base are musculoskeletal injuries related to overuse and degenerative joint diseases. The underlying cause of many of these diagnosed diseases and syndromes can be directed to inflammation, poor circulation, oxidative stress and the processes of aging.

In addition, subjects with RA had a statistically significant decrease in serum homocysteine. High homocysteine levels in patients with RA have been associated with higher rates of mortality from cardiovascular events.

Parkinson’s Disease

Neuroprotective Activity of Hyroxytyrosol

Hydroxytyrosol inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in an in vitro model of neuroinflammation. In contrast oleuropein, the principal phenolic in olive leaf, was significantly less effective at inhibiting cytokine production. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of hydroxytyrosol may impact neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Protection Against Diabetes and Metabolic Disorder

The effects of OL and HT on insulin action have recently been demonstrated by De Bock et al. in overweight middle-aged men: administration of a diet supplemented with olive leaf polyphenols (51.1 mg OL, 9.7 mg HT for day) determined both amelioration of insulin action and secretion, two aspects of glucose regulation. Such an effect was independent of fat distribution, dietary intakes and physical activity and was comparable to that seen with drugs used to treat diabetes.

Mediterranean-style diet effective in reducing the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome

Consumption of a Mediterranean-style diet by patients with the metabolic syndrome was associated with improvement of endothelial function and a significant reduction of markers of systemic vascular inflammation